2013 Toyota Highlander problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Common 2013 Toyota Highlander problems
The 2013 Toyota Highlander has some common problems that owners have reported, which include issues with the air conditioning system, engine oil leaks, ruptured oil lines, and rattling noises or looseness in the steering.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common problem in the 2013 Toyota Highlander, particularly in the 3.5L V6 engine. These leaks can be caused by oil cooler hoses, which can lead to oil drops on the driveway under the vehicle. This can lead to a decrease in engine performance and can be a safety hazard while driving.
- Ruptured Oil Lines: Ruptured oil lines are a prevalent issue in Toyota vehicles, including the 2013 Toyota Highlander. This problem can lead to catastrophic failure if not addressed in a timely manner. If the oil line gets ruptured, a check engine light will appear on the dashboard. Regular maintenance can help mitigate this problem.
- Rattling Noises, Looseness, or Occasional Stiffness in the Steering: These issues can be caused by u-joints in the intermediate steering shaft. Replacing the intermediate steering shaft can solve this problem, but it can cost around $380 and above.
These common problems in the 2013 Toyota Highlander can affect the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is 2013 a good year for Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment. You get decent handling from the fully independent suspension, and the ride quality is surprisingly smooth.
How many miles will a 2013 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Last? The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
Is there any recalls on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position.
What year did Toyota Highlander have problems?
Defective airbags were common in some 2013 and 2016 Highlanders. Airbags from these model years did not deploy upon collision, increasing the risk of injuries. While no recalls were made for them, Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign because of the same issue.
How reliable is a 2013 Toyota Highlander?
How Reliable Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander? The 2013 Toyota Highlander has an above-average reliability rating of four out of five from J.D. Power.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
How long can a 2013 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Last? The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
Is Toyota Highlander high maintenance?
A Toyota Highlander will cost about $5,771 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $3,362. There is also a 16.08% chance that a Highlander will require a major repair during that time.
2013 Toyota Highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2013 Toyota Highlander
The NHTSA has received 202 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JTEDC3EH4D2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Multiple ABS related(ABS, TRACTION, BRAKES) warning lights/messages making driving my Highlander dangerous to me and others. Warning lights appeared 9/30/2024. No symptoms or warning lights appeared prior. Vehicle was then inspected by Toyota of Plano. Code 1391indicating an internal leak in the ABS. Confirmed by service dept of Toyota of Plano, Tx indicating the need for replacement of ABS Module Assembly. This as an acknowledged Toyota problem that was with a Service Bulletin that expired last year. Plano Toyota advised me to ask Toyota Brand Engagement for help but they declined. Toyota Brand Engagement declined to extend the prior Bulletin or assist in any way.. The Toyota case file is under my name and #241008000770. Any assistance from NHTSA would be appreciated.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-08
- VIN: 5TDBK3EHXDS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering column cracks, no help from Dealer. Many complaints on internet. Remedy requires expensive new steering column. Defective spindle type bearing defective. The noise is ongoing. It feels like its going to break. Very scary...ongoing doesn't stop. Dealer says wont break just replace if you want to... Toyota Service bulletin #T-SB-0034-13 details steering column replacement fix issued on this. I have it. Dealer denies simple joint grease kit maintenance option.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-11
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH2DS
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I purchased the car in 2020 with 73K miles on it. It has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. I happens when I slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. My foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressure on the brake will stop it. I put the car in park and turn the key off. There are no warning lights. It has happened more frequently in 2024. On [XXX], I tried to come to a stop at a crosswalk in Plymouth MA. The UA occurred, putting the folks in the crosswalk and myself in danger. The next day I contacted the dealer and Toyota. The upshot - they said the car is fine, it must be my mats or shoes or something that is not their fault. I've been driving Toyotas for 40 years, I've never had a mat or shoe problem. There is something faulty with the acceleration/braking system. The last occurrence was [XXX] in Plympton MA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-03
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH3DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The issue started when the car was over 84,000 miles. The engine burns excessive oil. I have to add oil every 2200 miles. When I press on the gas pedal to rev the car, oil come out of the tail pipe. When I went to the dealer that they are aware of the issue but they did not make any recommendations. Online several owner of this model have changed the engine or replaced pistons. I have never gotten the check light on even when no oil is on the dip stick. I have to check the oil every time I fill up my gas tank as a precaution. My concern is that I could be stranded or the car overheat and cause a fire.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-14
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH0DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine is burning/consuming oil excessively; no leaks or any other unusual symptoms found. I was on an interstate highway and all of a sudden engine sound changed and excessive knocking started. No OIL LOW LEVEL or CHECK ENGINE light turned on. Yes the problem is persistent now and was verified by an independent (ASE Certified) service provider. No waning lamps or messages displayed.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-18
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH3DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I am known by Toyota experts and my local mechanics as someone who takes excellent care of my vehicle, but unfortunately I am completely blown away when I was driving my car and suddenly it stopped and couldn’t start, after I tolled it to my mechanic, he told me the engine seized and it needs replacement. The cost is about $4000. I don’t have that kind of money and it has been seating in my driveway. I don’t understand how a very well maintained engine will just give out without any warning signs.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-09
- VIN: 5TDDK3EHXDS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to close the liftgate, the contact was unable to close the liftgate. The contact had not activated the power assist liftgate motor. The contact used force to close the liftgate. The contact stated that the failure had first been intermittent; however, the failure had become more frequent. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an on/off switch for the liftgate power assist however, he had turned the assist feature off. The contact had previously had the liftgate motor replaced by a dealer under a manufacturer’s extended warranty program. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer to have the failure addressed. The dealer diagnosed the failure and determined that the liftgate motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-29
- VIN: JTEDC3EH7D2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: All ABS brake lights on indicating a brake malfunction. Toyota has a customer support program to change out parts for free if vehicle is in USA. This should be a recall as it is a major safety concern and affects vehicles that may also be outside of the USA. If vehicle is outside of USA one can not even buy the updated parts (brake actuator and brake booster) to repair the vehicle because Toyota will not sell the parts to a dealer if the vehicle is not at a U.S.A. dealer so I am rendered with an unusable unreliable unfixable Toyota vehicle.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-28
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH4DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil consumption/oil pressure issue. Started suddenly maybe in 2020. My oil pressure light would come on “turn off car immediately”. Took it to dealer, told me I have no oil. Then it kept happening. No notice of low oil, and well within 3 months/3000 miles. Toyota did an oil consumption test at 1500miles, no issue. Then, took my car in shortly after because oil pressure light came on. They told me to get a new engine. Possible see the PVC valve, but once in there likely a new engine is needed. No wear/tear, or obvious age of use. Engine just started consuming oil. I googled it. It seems to be an issue with Highlanders. But I’ve never seen a recall on it. Pretty much living on oil changes every 2 months to keep my engine running. And this whole time, my engine light has never turned on.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-24
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH8DS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Unable to align vehicle correct due to driver's side rear camber. Caused uneven tire wear and costly replacement for tires for 6 years.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-05
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH5DS
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal boom and wind detected on top of the vehicle. Upon opening the sunroof, the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The sunroof was bubbling upwards. There were no reported injuries. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-25
- VIN: 5tdyk3eh8ds
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The driver veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issue with the vehicle. She re-entered the vehicle and opened the sunroof and shards of broken glass fell inside the vehicle from the sunroof. The driver stated that no object had struck the sunroof glass to cause the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-10
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH8DS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: When I turn the steering faster than a certain speed, it will lock up for a moment, either turning right or left. Sometimes a light indicating a steering fault lights up on the dash cluster, sometimes not. When the turning of the wheel stops and locks up I cannot turn any more in that direction. I can turn the other way. This has been a problem for sometime and is becoming now worse. Aside from the locking up, justing turning slowly, there is a bit of a whine or low level grind sound in the sound of the steering column. This is a mechanical noise, not the typical whine of the steering pump.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-02
- VIN: 5tdyk3eh5ds
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire 245/55R19 While driving on the freeway at 70 mph, the tire below and tread separated causing significant damage to vehicle. The tread appears to have separated from the tire, which caused the tire to hit the sidewall and rear of vehicle, which tore off the rear bumper and damaged rear quarter panel. It appears that both steel belts and polyester carcass piles failed The tire separation occurred, unprovoked as there was no impact from debris and the vehicle had been in operation/ driving for over 30 minutes. Incident was witnessed by Highway Patrol, who appeared very surprised to see such an event occur. Costco tire, flagged the issue as it appeared out of the ordinary and shipped the tire for review to Michelin.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH7DS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was concerned that due to the excessive oil consumption, that the vehicle could catch on fire. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-05
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH6DS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My car will stall with no warning. I have taken my car multiple times to the dealership and the problem has not been able to be repaired. There have been other years of Toyota recalled for this exact same problem however, mine has not been. This is a serious safety concern!
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-12
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH7DS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: - The car was purchased in 2015 used and the steering wheel has made a clunking sound when turning a hard sharp left or right since the day of purchase -While on a road trip of approximately 3,000 miles round trip in June 2021 the steering wheel was adjusted to accommodate my husband's height. It became very loose, with it finally dropping into my husband's lap on the last day of our trip-it was difficult to steer the car -We brought the car in to our dealership the following day where they confirmed we needed a new steering column-the car has not been involved in any accidents nor have the air bags employed -Other than the "clunking" sound there has never been any previous warning that the steering wheel would disengage while driving.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TDBK3EHXDS
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SWERVED TO AVOID A CAT, IT RESULTED IN CRASHING INTO A METAL TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LARRY H. MILLER LEXUS SPOKANE1030 W 3RD AVE, SPOKANE, WA 99201: (509) 293-6074 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DRIVER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER CHEST AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WAS NO REPORTED FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH5DS
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE RIGHT MIDDLE SEAT DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE WHEN IT IS AT THE FURTHEST FRONT POSITION,
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-17
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH8DS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THERE ARE SOUNDS WHEN SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING, INCLUDING POPING OR SOMETIMES LIKE A WHIRLING SOUND. THE STEERING IS A BIT STIFF SOMETIMES AND NOT EASY TO TURN THE WHEELS, THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AT ANY SPECIFIC SPEED. I DO NOT HAVE ANY PICTURE OR OTHER DOCUMENT I CAN UPLOAD AS THIS IS NOT PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT CAN BE PHOTOGRAPHED.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH3DS
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WHEELS HYDOPLANNED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSS CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A CENTER CONCRETE WALL. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST. THE CONTACT DID GO TO THE HOSPITAL COUPLE OF HOURS LATER TO TREAT INJURIES TO THE RIBS WHICH WERE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT DID NOT STAY OVERNIGHT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVEABLE THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LOT WHERE AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE IS SITTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NO INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.CK *BF THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-18
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH6DS
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: AS I BEGIN DRIVING AND COME TO STOP IT TENDS TO REV UP AND THEN DROPS BACK TO NORMAL. IT FEELS LIKE VEHICLE REVS UP A LITTLE WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP IT BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.IT FEELS LIKE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP AND YOU HAVE THE FEELINGS TO PRESS THE BRAKE EVEN HARDER.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-13
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH5DS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: CHECKED OIL LAST WEEK ALSO DEALER SUPPOSEDLY CHANGED OIL COUPLE DAYS AGO YELLOW TRIANGLE LIGHT CAME ON IT WAS JUST BOUGHT SO UNFAMILIAR WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS TRIED TO LOOK UP TOLD ME NOTHING. TODAY I LEFT A FRIENDS HOUSE (3MILES ) SHE CALLED AND SAID I LEFT MASSIVE OIL LEAK LEFT ON HER DRIVEWAY. SURE ENOUGH I LOOKED ON MY DRIVEWAY AND I ALSO HAD HUGE OIL LEAK LUCKY SHE CALLED ME I COULD HAVE BLOWN THE ENGINE OR IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE IF I HAD DRIVEN IT ANY FARTHER OR SHE DIDN'T TELL ME PROCEEDED TO LOOK UP COMMON TOYOTA HIGHLANDER PROBLEMS. AND THERE IT WAS SAYING MASSIVE OIL LEAKS FROM THE LINE EXPLODING ALSO SAID THAT THE REPAIR TOYOTA GIVES TO FIX THE PROBLEM HAS PROBLEMS TOO I'M ASSUMING THIS IS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT OUT ON HIGHWAY HAVING IT TOWED TOMMOROW THE PICTURE IS AT HER HOUSE SHE SENT AFTER I LEFT. MY DRIVEWAY OIL LEAK IS TWICE THAT SIZE
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-17
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH4DS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY PASSENGER AIRBAG KEEPS TURNING OFF DUE TO A SENSOR. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED, AND A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES LATER, IT WAS BACK ON!
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH0DS
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BACK SEAT IS STUCK IN FOLDING POSITION. RAIL IS STUCK
2013 Toyota Highlander recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2013 Toyota Highlander.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence: If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Negative 2013 Toyota Highlander car reviews
Positive 2013 Toyota Highlander car reviews
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I bought this certified 2013 based on our need for an affordable yet very reliable vehicle. Although the mpg is a little under what I was looking for, filling it up at $2.80 a gallon certainly doesn't break the bank.
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Hello! I wanted to share my thoughts on this amazing vehicle. It's not only beautiful, but it can also comfortably fit up to 6 people. However, I did want to bring to your attention a potential issue with towing. While Toyota claims that the 3.5 L V6 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs with a towing package, it's important to note that the package comes with a 4-pin electrical trailer connector that doesn't have a connection for electrical brakes. In Canada, it's illegal to tow more than 3,000 lbs without trailer brakes, so it's important to keep this in mind. Unfortunately, Toyota can't install a 7-pin connector on the Highlander, which means that the actual towing capacity is less than 3,000 lbs. I hope this information is helpful to you!
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Best value for the money. It's great to hear that you find it very dependable, looks great and enjoyable to drive!
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Great vehicle overall! It's worth noting that Toyota put cheap tires and battery on it, but those were changed out at about 20k. The only repair I had to make was a window regulator at 35k. I'm so happy with it that my next car purchase will almost certainly be a Highlander.
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I just picked up the Highlander and it's been a super comfortable ride so far. The tech package is voice activated, which we're still learning, but it's been a fun experience. We decided to trade in our 2009 Avalon XL with 62k on the clock for this vehicle, and if it performs like our other cars, we'll be very pleased. The Highlander was a lease car turn-in with 20k miles, and the price was just right. I had a great experience doing business with the friendly people at Bennett Toyota in Allentown, PA. As for Tom Doherty, so far the Highlander has had no issues. We've put 34,000 miles on it and have only had to do normal maintenance like oil changes. We did have to replace a leaking rear strut and all four brakes, but no other issues to report as of 9/19/2021 with 45,600 miles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Toyota Highlander problems:
2013 Toyota Highlander Limited : r/ToyotaHighlander
Jan 7, 2023 ... Other than these things, I've been pretty lucky to not have any issues. I'm looking for any insights or common challenges that I should be ...
2013 Toyota Highlander Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Sep 21, 2022 ... 2013 Toyota highlander is a reliable car. We purchased this car used so it does have some issues with the automatic windows and the rear gate ...
2013 Toyota Highlander Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2013 Toyota Highlander? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2013 Highlander burning oil badly | Toyota Nation Forum
Jun 26, 2023 ... The car could be worth about half of that as it needs an engine. When I researched 4-cylinders I did not come across this being a common problem ...
2013 Toyota Highlander Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top 2013 Toyota Highlander Problems · Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure. 147 people have reported this. 40 · Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles.
Other years of Toyota Highlander
Are you having problems with your 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Dylan Kreiger 2024-11-22
The wind and outside noise can be quite delicate, but to be honest, I really dislike this Highlander.
Kennith Abernathy 2024-09-13
I traded in a Buick Enclave, and it was a huge mistake! The ride quality and interior noise were terrible. Toyota should be ashamed of the poor seat quality on the front seats. I had to spend $300 at a custom shop to get the driver's seat to an acceptable level. The noise level inside at highway speeds was bad at best. For a car in this price range, Toyota needs to step up their game. However, I have decided to go back to Buick.
Wyman Pacocha 2024-09-06
I have driven 40k miles in this car and taken it on a few long distance trips. The spaciousness of this SUV gives me confidence on the road, and the sound system is fantastic! However, there are a few downsides. At my workplace, I park under a pine tree which has caused some issues with clogging the sunroof drain and causing leaks. Fortunately, the dealer was able to resolve the issue at no cost to me. Additionally, the paint is quite easy to scratch. Our dog once jumped on the passenger door, leaving a lot of scratches. **Update at 60k miles - I had to repair something in the engine that ended up costing just over $1,000. Rats also chewed through some hoses which had to be repaired. Overall, I am a bit disappointed with this car, especially considering the reputation associated with Toyota.
Dangelo Kozey 2024-07-05
I had to get both front door locks replaced right before my warranty ended. Unfortunately, after the warranty expired, my back passenger door lock stopped working. Now, at 56,000 miles, both front door locks are failing again. I was surprised to have to replace my rear brakes at 25,000 miles, as I usually get 50 to 60,000 miles out of my brakes. Although Toyota does not see these issues as defective, I believe they are more than regular wear and tear. It would be great if the steering wheel could go higher or the seat could go back further. Additionally, a larger seat belt and more comfortable headrests would be nice.
Griffin Murazik 2024-06-06
Purchased in September 2013. This vehicle may experience difficulty starting in winter, but this is a common issue that can be easily resolved. Additionally, there may be an excessive humming noise emanating from the transmission in cold weather, but this is a minor issue that disappears once the vehicle has warmed up. The ride quality is adequate, although the steering may feel a bit loose. Overall, this vehicle offers good value for its price point.